Quote:
Originally Posted by DampRobot
At least at this point in their development, most 3D printing systems don't produce parts that are very strong at all. Sure, they do require little human input once they're running, but they're slow and I would not trust any of their parts structurally. If you like making little plastic parts to show concepts or as models or something, go with a 3D printer. [...]
Lots of people are making a huge deal out of the "3D printing revolution," but the truth of the matter is 3D printers are only good for very small run, complex, non structural plastic parts, like trial electronics cases or miniature sculptures. There will be no real manufacturing revolution (as some reporters and politicians are hoping for) unless 3D printers start printing much more durable materials, become much much faster, or become able to print electronics as well as plastic materials. For the moment though, I'd prefer using a subtractive CNC tool (like a router) any day of the week.
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You're not really up on what 3D printing is currently used for in the real world, are you?
First, let me set something straight: "3D printing" can refer to any one of 5 processes. Yes, 5--FDM, SLS, DLD, ULA, and Objet are the acronyms. At least 2 of those 5 can print metal--I've seen them, I've handled the parts they've produced (Selective Laser Sintering and Direct Laser Deposition). 4/5 processes have very expensive machines, think 6-7 figures for the price tag, per machine. I know for a fact that at least a couple of those 4 can produce parts that will take anything you can reasonably throw at them--otherwise, the aerospace industry would throw them out and do something else. It might take a couple of days or so--but if you're comparing to several weeks, the 3D printer is downright fast--and it can do some things that would be VERY difficult to do on any other machine. (Trust me, I walk by my company's SLS unit every day--it's got some fun stuff in the window, but the machinists would freak out if it was handed to them to build.)
What you're talking about is
one specific type of 3D printing. The 5th process won't work with metal, but because it doesn't use a laser (the other 4 do) it can be made relatively cheaply and sold to just about anybody. This process, which is known as FDM (Fused Deposition Molding, or something of that nature), is what most people will think of when you mention a 3D printer. It's basically a hot glue gun, only with plastic.
This process is, shall we say, under iteration. The thing about most of the users, at least of the RepRap model types, is that they will monkey around with build parameters if they can to get the best result they can. Some companies are playing around with different materials to see if they can get something better than current. I've seen several robot teams with 3D printed parts--I believe 207 printed wheels for their robot a year or two ago, with excellent results, though I don't recall what process they used.
Now, I haven't played around with any CNC routers. I have played around with 3D printers. If I was looking for a large build area, I'd pick up an inDimension3
Glacier Steel unit (if they happened to be available--they're currently out of stock), partly due to the 12" square build area (they can go bigger, but that goes out of your budget) and partly because the company is experimenting with better materials. (And partly because they're a new incarnation of a company I've dealt with for 3D printers in the past with excellent service.)